What is unlocking

[YoungstaxGx]

What is unlocking the cpu mean?......kinda new to overclocking

[repo man11]

Legitmate question. Unlocking the CPU allows the user to alter the speed that it is run at. This is the first step to overclocking the CPU. The manufacturer has set the CPU to run at a speed that they know it will be stable at. But if you think like the rest of us, you'll want to decide that for yourself, in order to squeeze all possible performance out of your machine. This site has a thorough
how to. Good luck, and have fun!

[The Coolest]

On your CPU there are different "bridges" from L1 - L7 if its a Duron/T-bird or L1-L11 if its a AthlonXP

After the Lx label there are usualy dots coming. some are connected, and some are cut. that's how like repo man11 said the manufacturer sets the speed of the CPU, some T-Birds and all Durons and AthlonXPs come "locked" that means the L1 bridges that lets ur control the multiplier freely are cut, that means multiplier is disable. To enable it u have to connect the cut dots, like from :::: to |||| DO NOT EVER CROSS ANY DOTS LIKE .\\: if I'm not mistakin' it can kill ur chip. u better go to the begginers guide to get more info about unlocking the chip b4 u try it yourself.

Good luck and... WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!!!